Written by Adam Markel, Author & Wellness Expert
Bestselling author, keynote speaker, workplace expert and resilience researcher Adam Markel inspires leaders to master the challenges of massive disruption in his new book.
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses face a big challenge: maintaining a high-performance culture while keeping employees from walking out the door. The two go hand in hand; when people feel motivated, valued, and connected, they’re more likely to stick around and do their best work.
So, how can leaders build a workplace where both productivity and loyalty thrive?
Fostering belonging and inclusion
A strong, high-performing workplace starts with a real sense of belonging. When people feel connected and included, they’re more motivated and committed to their work. That all starts with creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected, no matter their background, role, or experience.
Belonging is a powerful performance driver. When employees believe they are an important part of the organization’s mission, they are likely to go above and beyond in performing their functions. Leaders can promote this by aligning individual roles with the larger organizational goals. For instance, consistently communicating how an employee’s contributions affect the company’s success can give people a sense of purpose and pride.
Building a culture of gratitude and recognition
Gratitude and recognition are the foundations of a high-performing culture. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay engaged and loyal. Unfortunately, many organizations continue to overlook the importance of regular and meaningful appreciation.
Recognition doesn’t have to cost a dime; it just needs to be genuine and consistent. A heartfelt thank-you note, a shoutout in a team meeting, or even a small award can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation. When leaders make a habit of celebrating both individual and team wins, they reinforce the behaviors and values that drive success.
Prioritizing open communication and trust
Trust is the backbone of a strong work culture. Without it, even the best initiatives can fall flat. To build trust, leaders need to prioritize open, honest communication at every level of the organization.
Employees need to feel that their voices matter and that their feedback is taken seriously. Regular check-ins, town hall meetings, and anonymous surveys are powerful tools for gathering information as well as addressing concerns. Collecting feedback isn’t going to be enough, though. It is imperative for leaders to take action. Showing a willingness to listen and make changes based on feedback can significantly increase trust and engagement.
Transparency is key in decision-making. When employees understand the “why” behind changes, they’re more likely to support them. By openly sharing the reasoning behind decisions, leaders create a sense of inclusion and alignment, making everyone feel like they’re part of the bigger picture.
Creating opportunities for growth
One of the biggest reasons employees leave is feeling stuck with no room to grow. To keep great talent, businesses need to invest in employee development and create clear paths for career advancement. When people see a future with a company, they’re more likely to stay and thrive.
This begins with identifying and nurturing talent within the organization. Leaders should work with employees in setting personal goals and provide them with all the resources and support they need to achieve them. Training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to industry conferences and certifications are just some of the best examples of such initiatives.
Proactive engagement to address turnover risks
Minimizing turnover takes a proactive approach to both engagement and well-being. Leaders should regularly check the pulse of workplace culture and look for areas that need improvement.
Surveys and feedback tools are great for measuring employee satisfaction and spotting hidden issues like burnout, lack of recognition, or unclear expectations. With this insight, leaders can take action early, making meaningful changes before small problems turn into big ones.
It’s equally important to keep an eye on key turnover indicators like declining performance, absenteeism, or disengagement. Early intervention can make a remarkable difference in keeping top talent.
Aligning roles with organizational goals
A high-performance culture flourishes when people see how their roles connect to the bigger picture. When employees understand how their work contributes to the company’s mission, they feel a greater sense of purpose and impact, making their efforts more meaningful and motivating.
Leaders can fortify this alignment by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and celebrating milestones. When employees understand the “why” behind their tasks and see the tangible results of their contributions, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed.
Conclusion
Building a high-performance culture while keeping turnover low isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. When companies foster a sense of belonging, show appreciation, build trust through open communication, create growth opportunities, and address challenges before they escalate, they create a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and ready to do their best work.
Ultimately, a high-performance culture isn’t just about achieving business goals; it’s about empowering people to do their best work and feel fulfilled in the process. When employees are engaged, valued, and connected to their organization’s mission, the ripple effects can be transformative for the individuals, the teams, and the business as a whole.
Adam Markel, Author & Wellness Expert
Bestselling author, keynote speaker, workplace expert and resilience researcher Adam Markel inspires leaders to master the challenges of massive disruption in his new book, “Change Proof — Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience” (McGraw-Hill, Feb. 22, 2022). Adam is author of the 1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller, “Pivot: The Art & Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life.” Learn more at AdamMarkel.com.
